10 Oldest Luxury Brands in the World

Luxury brands have been around for centuries, providing consumers with high-quality products that embody style, elegance, and exclusivity. These brands have been able to stand the test of time, adapting to changes in fashion trends and consumer preferences while retaining their signature touch. In this blog post, we will look at 10 of the oldest luxury brands in the world.

From iconic fashion houses to purveyors of fine jewelry and timepieces, these brands have a rich history steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of luxury goods or simply curious about the origins of these legendary brands, you won’t miss this fascinating glimpse into the world of high-end fashion and style. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the 10 oldest luxury brands in the world.

10. Gucci

photo source: LinkedIn

Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion brand founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. The brand started as a leather goods company and has since expanded into a worldwide fashion empire, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home decor. The brand is known for its high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, making it one of the most recognizable and respected fashion houses in the world.

Over the years, Gucci has been at the forefront of fashion trends and has collaborated with some of the most influential designers and artists in the world. Today, Gucci continues to be a leader in the luxury fashion industry and is known for its cutting-edge designs, innovative products, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a stylish accessory or a chic piece of clothing, Gucci offers something for everyone, making it one of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world.

Did You Know?

Gucci’s signature green and red stripes, along with the iconic double-G logo, have become synonymous with luxury and style.

9. Balenciaga

photo source: Hypebeast

Balenciaga is a luxury fashion house founded in 1919 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is headquartered in Paris, France, and is known for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Balenciaga was born in the Basque country of Spain and began his career as a couture designer at 22. He quickly gained recognition for his highly structured architectural designs, which were unlike anything seen at the time.

He opened his first fashion house in San Sebastian, Spain, in 1918 and later moved to Paris, where he established the House of Balenciaga in 1937. In addition to its haute couture and ready-to-wear collections, Balenciaga offers a range of accessories, including handbags, shoes, and small leather goods. The brand has a reputation for producing high-quality luxury products that are timeless and classic in design.

Did You Know?

Today, Balenciaga is owned by Kering, a French luxury conglomerate, and is under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, who was appointed in 2015.

8. Prada

photo source: LogoMyWay

Prada is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. It is headquartered in Milan, Italy, and is one of the most famous and influential fashion brands in the world. The company started out as a leather goods shop, selling handbags and other accessories. Over the years, it has expanded to include ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, and accessories for both men and women.

Prada is known for its minimalist and understated designs, which often feature clean lines, simple silhouettes, and neutral colors. In the 1980s and 1990s, Prada was at the forefront of the minimalist fashion movement, and its designs were highly sought after by fashion-conscious consumers. Today, the brand is a significant player in the fashion industry, known for its innovative and thought-provoking designs.

Did You Know?

The brand operates more than 700 stores worldwide, and it is widely recognized as a symbol of luxury and style.

7. Chanel

photo source: Kodari Magazine

Chanel is a French luxury fashion brand that Coco Chanel founded in 1909. It is one of the most iconic and well-known fashion brands in the world, and its products, including clothing, accessories, and fragrances, are synonymous with luxury, style, and elegance. Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion in the early 20th century by introducing comfortable and practical clothing that broke away from the restrictive and ornate styles of the time.

She popularized the “little black dress,” the suit jacket, and the use of jersey fabric in women’s clothing, and her designs were embraced by women seeking a more modern and practical wardrobe. Today, Chanel is one of the most significant and valuable luxury brands in the world, and its products are sold in boutiques and department stores in cities around the globe.

Did You Know?

In addition to its clothing and fragrances, Chanel is known for its iconic accessories, including the quilted handbag, the camellia flower, and the interlocking “CC” logo.

6. Lanvin

photo source: Golden

Lanvin was founded by Jeanne Lanvin in Paris, France, in 1889. It is one of the oldest fashion houses in the world and is known for its elegant and timeless designs. Jeanne Lanvin started her fashion house as a milliner, creating hats for women, but she quickly expanded into clothing and accessories. In the early 20th century, Lanvin became one of the leading fashion houses in Paris and was known for its luxurious and ornate designs, particularly in the realm of eveningwear.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Lanvin continued to gain popularity and became a favorite among wealthy women and royalty. The brand is known for its elegant and timeless clothing and accessories, and it has remained at the forefront of the luxury fashion industry for over 130 years. The brand was also known for its innovative use of materials and colors, and it was one of the first fashion houses to use the metal thread and iridescent fabrics in its designs.

Did You Know?

In recent years, Lanvin has continued to evolve and has been led by several influential designers, including Alber Elbaz and Bruno Sialelli.

5. Bvlgari

photo source: Retail News from Asia

Bvlgari is a well-known Italian luxury brand established in 1884 by Sotirio Bulgari. Over the years, Bvlgari has become synonymous with luxury, quality, and craftsmanship, offering a wide range of high-end products, including jewelry, watches, leather goods, fragrances, and accessories. The brand is recognized for its innovative designs and the use of bold colors and shapes in its jewelry.

One of Bvlgari’s signature elements is its serpent motif which is featured in many of its collections and has become a recognizable part of the brand’s image. Its leather goods and accessories, including handbags, luggage, and small leather goods, are highly prized by fans of the brand for their sophisticated designs and exceptional quality.

Did You Know?

Bvlgari is also well-known for its fragrances, with its first perfume introduced in the 1930s.

4. Louis Vuitton

photo source: Robb Report

Louis Vuitton is a renowned French luxury fashion house established in 1854 by its namesake, Louis Vuitton. Over the past century and a half, the brand has become an emblem of luxury, style, and quality, offering a wide array of premium products, including leather goods, fashion, accessories, timepieces, jewelry, and fragrances. The iconic Monogram pattern, a recognizable hallmark of the brand, has become a symbol of luxury worldwide.

Louis Vuitton’s leather goods, including its sought-after handbags and luggage, are renowned for their durability and exceptional quality and continue to be highly coveted by discerning consumers. As a subsidiary of LVMH, Louis Vuitton remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and quality, offering consumers a range of products that embody style and practicality.

Did You Know?

In addition to leather goods, Louis Vuitton has also expanded its offerings to include other luxury goods, including fashion, timepieces, jewelry, and fragrances, solidifying its position as a leading player in the global luxury market.

3. Omega

photo source: SportsRegras

Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, Omega is a Swiss luxury watch brand renowned for its precision, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship. Throughout its history, Omega has been associated with significant moments in history, such as serving as the official timekeeper at numerous Olympic Games, as the choice of astronauts and space agencies, and being the choice of James Bond in several films.

In addition to its technical innovations, Omega is also known for its timeless designs and commitment to quality. As a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, one of the world’s largest watch manufacturers, Omega remains a leading luxury watch brand, highly valued by watch enthusiasts and collectors, and an icon of Swiss watchmaking excellence.

Did You Know?

The brand offers a wide range of timepieces, from classic dress watches to sporty chronographs, each embodying its dedication to precision, innovation, and craftsmanship.

2. Cartier

photo source: Vogue Business

Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847, is a renowned luxury brand with a reputation for creating stylish, innovative, and high-end jewelry, watches, and accessories. The brand started as a jewelry workshop and became famous for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Cartier made history in 1904 by introducing the first men’s wristwatch, the “Santos,” and has continued to innovate over the years with iconic products such as the “Tank” watch, the “Love” bracelet, and the “Panther” brooch. Throughout its history, Cartier has been associated with royalty and celebrities and is known for its bold designs, exceptional quality, and use of precious materials. The brand operates a global network of boutiques and is an iconic symbol of luxury, sophistication, and style.

Did You Know?

Cartier has won many awards and accolades over the years, including the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1951 and the De Beers Diamond International Award in 1978.

1. Hermes

photo source: Market Realist

Hermès is a French luxury brand founded in 1837, making it the oldest luxury brand in the world. The brand is best known for its high-end leather goods, including handbags, wallets, and belts, as well as its clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. Hermès was established initially as a harness workshop, supplying saddles and harnesses to European noblemen.

Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings to include a wide range of leather goods and other luxury products. Hermès is known for its exceptional quality, attention to detail, and use of the finest materials, including leather, silk, and cashmere. One reason that Hermès is considered the oldest luxury brand in the world is because of its long history and rich heritage. The brand has been passed down through generations of the same family, with each generation building on the legacy of the previous one. 

Did You Know?

One of the most famous and iconic products from Hermès is the “Birkin” handbag, named after British actress and singer Jane Birkin.